The best kitten heels for women who hate stilettos

(Image credit: 2019 Edward Berthelot)

I remember the uni days when I dance all night in the most ridiculous high heels. Walking in them made me look like Bambi, and God knows how I managed to not end up in A&E once.

That's not to say I hate stilettos, they can be beautiful on other women, but they are just not for me. So I must admit I welcomed the kitten heel trend with open arms last season.

They were everywhere on the catwalk, from Balenciaga to Dior, Prada and Gucci, Miu Miu and The Row. Even stiletto lover Christian Louboutin got in on the action, a sure sign that this trend is here to stay.

How to wear kitten heels

You'd be better off asking, how don't you wear kitten heels, that's how versatile I've found them. They add an elegant touch to cropped jeans, go superbly with a silk midi dress and even better with a checked or corduroy suit. I would say the one rule I abide by is to show a little bit of ankle if you're wearing kitten mules or sandals as otherwise it can look a little unflattering, and if you're worried about being cold in winter, pair them with a metallic sock, or swap them for some kitten boots.

Kitten heel mules

These are by far my favourite, as a pretty textured kitten mules goes with everything. Everyone on the high street has gotten in on the trend, with Mango and Zara serving up some great options.

Kitten heel boots

Kitten heel boots are the ideal solution to take the trend into autumn/winter. Whilst animal print is still going strong, this season it's all about the Victoria lace-up. Look to Manu Atelier for a super wearable pair pair.

Kitten heel shoes

I'm loving the bourgeoise take on the trend, in the form of low courts, preferably the tweed or slingback variety, as seen at Balenciaga, Mulberry and The Row. For a more modern approach, look to Neous and By Far. Denim is a big trend for AW19.

Keep scrolling to shop my edit of the best kitten heels right now.

Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.

She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.